Myanmar’s military has appointed General Ye Win Oo, a former head of military intelligence, as the new Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, placing a close ally of junta leader Min Aung Hlaing at the helm of the armed forces, Reuters reports.
The 60-year-old general, who played a leading role in the February 2021 coup that ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, was elevated to the top military post on Monday. His rise marks the first time a former intelligence chief has assumed Myanmar’s highest military command, underscoring his longstanding loyalty to Min Aung Hlaing.
Ye Win Oo’s promotion comes as Min Aung Hlaing prepares to transition from military leadership to a civilian political role after a highly controversial election widely seen as engineered to keep the junta in power. Analysts say the leadership changes are intended to ensure continuity of military dominance over Myanmar’s political landscape.
The developments reflect the junta’s ongoing consolidation of power more than five years after the coup, which triggered widespread unrest and a protracted civil conflict. Observers note that the reshuffle positions trusted insiders in key roles as the regime navigates both internal challenges and international scrutiny.